Chapter four

I barely processed everything and the news that I have a job now before I was ushered into another room. It was as grand as it is, and it makes me feel intimidating ---- a sleek, modern office, luxury decorated but with a touch of minimalism, with a view over half the city. And right there, standing in front of the floor o ceiling glass window with his back at me was Nathan Sterling.

“Emily…” he said. His voice carried authority and he didn’t even turn around yet but I felt myself stiffen as if the weight of his presence was pulling me in place.

“Yes…Mr.Sterling” I replied, although my voice was slightly shaky.

He turned and gazed in my direction with an intensity I hadn’t expected. He looked just like he did in the few pictures I’ve seen. A well-sculpted face, with sharp brown eyes that seemed to see too much, and a calm confidence that felt almost chilling

“First of all Ms. Jones, I would like to thank you for taking this position. My daughter, Lilliana is… a unique child” he started, pausing for a while “She needs a lot of stability and support as she experience a lot of things in an early age. A certain consistency that I think you will be able to provide”

I nodded realizing that every word he spoke felt weighted with caution.

“I understand and I’ll do my best to help her, and make her feel safe, and comfortable”

“I hope you will” he replied, though his tone didn’t soften. “But let’s be clear about my expectations. You will stay at the estate during the week and our staff will prepare a place for you, and you will have the weekends for yourself. But I think my Ms. Harper already told you this right?”

“Yes sir”

“Okay, but although you have the weekends for yourself just be prepared just in case Lilliana needs you. We want her to feel that you are always there for her. Am I clear Ms. Jones?”

“I understand and that won't be a problem,” I said but still felt unsure if I was reassuring him or myself.

“And one more thing” He continued “Given by the nature of your job and our family privacy, the pay is substantial. That is why your salary is $150,000 annually with the possibility of a bonus based on my daughter’s progress and well-being”

For a moment I could only blink and swallow my saliva.

“Thank you sir,” I said barely holding my composure. He only nodded while his gaze never leaving mine.

“Very well, then you will start next Monday. Ms. Jones…. please take good care of my daughter”

“Of course Mr. Sterling” I replied.

He extended his hand and I shook it. His grip was firm and brief as if to say he expected competence from me, no less.

“But don’t forget and always remember that Lilliana’s care and progress are not negotiable. We trust you to keep her best interest first above all else”

And with that, I was dismissed.

---

The next few days felt surreal as I was so busy reviewing all the materials Ms. Harper given to me and watching a lot of tips about teaching. As I packed my things and boxed up my apartment and mentally preparing for upcoming move. Imagining it… I feel nervous simmered beneath my excitement. A part of me felt like I was about to stepping into a world I barely understood.

On Sunday night, I finally packed the last of my essentials and knowing that I won’t be able to return here maybe until the weekend. I glance around my small apartment, as I looked at the stacks of boxes in the corners it hit me how much is riding on this one opportunity.

After reviewing Lilliana’s materials again I could barely sleep. My mind replayed every word I’ve read, every note I scribbled about her unique personality and learning preferences. It was caught of my attention  of one section they highlighted… “Emotional Sensitivity” it was more heavy that any other. And emphasizing that Lilliana might not warm up to new people right away.

The following morning a sleek black sedan arrived outside my apartment, arraged by the estate. Riding in a car like this clean, polished, and clearly expensive felt surreal. The driver greeted me politely so I greet him as well trying to be as polite as possible. A few minuets I’ve arrived at the estate’s gates where two towering guards checked me in before waving me through. It felt like driving into another world. He winding driveway was lined with carefully cut off trees leading up to the sprawling mansion ahead.

I stepped out of the car and I was greeted by a polished women in her late thirties dressed in her neatly tailored suit. She introduce herself as Ms. Alvarez, the Sterling estate head mistress and educational director who will be my main contact and who will I report for Lilliana’s academic and emotional progress.

“Welcome Ms. Jones” she said greeted with a warm smile. “we will be reviewing some additional guidelines today before you officially begin. Please follow me.”

I was so amaze how grand of the place as we walk inside the mansion. A blend of elegance and restraint that somehow manage to feel intimidating and impressive all at once. Ms. Alvarez led me through a maze of hallways and each one is as grand as the last until we reached a private study where she handed me another binder.

“This will include your specific daily responsibilities. And Mr. Sterling takes Lilliana’s education very seriously and we expect regular progress reports.”

I nodded and flipping through the pages and as I reached the section detailing my daily schedule. Ms. Alvarez glances at me with an expectant look in her face “I trust the arrangement are suitable? Or there are anything you are concern about?”

“No… I think everything is all good” I replied, and Ms. Alvarez nodded. “Is there anything specific I should know before meeting Lilliana again?” I asked hoping she might ofer me some insight into some more information about Lilliana.

Ms. Alvarez expression softened.

“Well… Lilliana is very sensitive child and she can be very shy but once she trusted you… you’ll find her to be very bright, and curious child. It is just the process of getting her to open up can be very challenging. And any sudden changes affect her mood and her ability to focus.”

I nodded, I think Lilliana really go through a lot of trauma knowing how she lost her mother before she even could recognize her. “Thank you for letting me know”

“Of course,” Ms. Alvarez replied, then glanced at the clock. “Follow me and I lead you to your room.” she continued.

I folloed Ms. Alvarez through a series of elegant hallways that seemed endless. Each corridor was line with beautiful and expensive artworks with soft lighting-- giving the whole place a calm and almost hushed feels.

Finally, we reached a door on the second floor at the end of the hallway with overlooking view of the beautiful garden of the estate. Ms. Alvarez open the big door and gesturing for me to step inside the room.

“This will be your room. It was set up to offer you privacy and comfort so you can focus on your responsibilities and duties.

I was in awe looking at the room, its so spacious and elegantly decorated with soft cream walls and a queen size bed with crisp white linens and also a desk near the window that looked out over the garden below. It was far more than I was expecting cause this room feels like a cozy suite within a five star hotel.

“Your things should arrive shortly. In the meantime feel free to settle in and if you need anything there’s an intercom near the door to reach that staff. I’ll be back later to walk you through the estate and lead you to the educational room”

“Thank you” I said. Ms. Alvarez left with polite nod leaving me alone in my new space.

I took a deep breath and walked over to the bed-- setting my bag down and then sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress was softer than anything I’d ever owned and for a moment…. I allowed myself to sink into it feeling a mix of gratitude and disbelief. This was happening…. I was really here and about to start a job like no other in a home that felt worlds away from my tiny apartment.

A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts and two staff members entered carrying my belongings. They moved quietly and efficiently and placing my things in the large closet and empty drawers before nodding and slipping out as quickly as they’d come. Once they were gone, I let out a breath and got up and taking my time to unpack and settle in.